If you want the textured look of cedar shakes without choosing real wood, vinyl shake siding is worth a look. These five options use molded textures and shingle-style panels to create a cedar-inspired finish, with differences in color, panel design, and installation details. Compare the listed coverage and channel requirements before ordering, and remember to allow for cuts and waste when planning your project.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Color | Listed coverage | Standout detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polaris Homeside Select Double 7-Inch Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding | Savannah Wicker | 50 sq. ft. per box | Textured surface and random seams |
| CertainTeed Cedar Impressions Double 7-Inch Straight Edge Perfection Shingle Siding | Herringbone | 50.26 sq. ft. per carton | True Texture finish and continuous perimeter lock |
| CertainTeed Cedar Impressions Double 7-Inch Straight Edge Perfection Shingle Siding | Natural Clay | Listed as 11 pieces per carton | Same panel design in a different color |
| Polaris Homeside Select Double 7-Inch Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding | Granite Gray | 50 sq. ft. per box | Thicker panel with Tru-Lock system |
| Polaris Homeside Select Double 7-Inch Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding | Colonial White | 50 sq. ft. per box | Light-colored cedar-shake style |
Our Picks: Best Cedar Vinyl Siding That Looks Like Wood reviews
1. Polaris Homeside Select in Savannah Wicker: A Textured, Warm-Toned Pick
This Polaris panel is designed to resemble cedar shakes, with a textured surface modeled on real cedar and random seams intended to break up a uniform pattern. Savannah Wicker offers a warm neutral look that can suit a full exterior or a smaller accent area.
Each box is listed as covering 50 square feet and contains 10 pieces. The panels are about 1/8 inch thick, and the product recommends allowing roughly 20% for waste. Polaris also lists a Tru-Lock system and a 3/4-inch J-channel size, so check your trim plan before ordering.
The textured finish and less regular-looking seams are useful if you want a shingle effect rather than the appearance of long, flat siding courses. The tradeoff is that the package covers a relatively small area, so larger projects may require several boxes and careful color matching between shipments.
Pros:
- Textured to resemble cedar shakes
- Random seams help avoid a repetitive panel pattern
- Listed coverage is 50 square feet per box
- Limited lifetime warranty is listed in the product details
Cons:
- Plan for extra material; the listing recommends about 20% for waste
- Confirm the 3/4-inch J-channel requirement before installation
Verdict: Choose Savannah Wicker if you want a warm, cedar-inspired look with textured panels and a varied seam pattern.
2. CertainTeed Cedar Impressions in Herringbone: A Detailed Shingle-Style Panel
CertainTeed’s Cedar Impressions siding is a vinyl shingle-style option with a True Texture finish. The Herringbone color gives this panel a distinctive look compared with the warmer and lighter choices in this list. It is made from polymer material and has a molded continuous perimeter lock.
The carton contains 11 pieces and is listed at 50.26 square feet. The panels are about 0.090 inch thick, with a 3/4-inch projection. The product information specifies that it accepts 3/4-inch J-channel only, an important detail to confirm when coordinating trim and installation.
CertainTeed says the panels are designed and tested to withstand hurricane-force winds and lists compliance with several building codes. Those details may matter for a project where code and wind-performance requirements are part of the decision, but you should still check the applicable local requirements and installation instructions for your home.
Pros:
- True Texture finish for a dimensional shingle appearance
- Continuous perimeter lock is part of the panel design
- Listed carton coverage is 50.26 square feet
- Limited lifetime warranty is listed
Cons:
- Requires 3/4-inch J-channel according to the product details
- Check that the Herringbone color works with your exterior before purchasing multiple cartons
Verdict: Herringbone is a strong choice if you want a textured vinyl shingle panel and value the listed locking design and performance specifications.
3. CertainTeed Cedar Impressions in Natural Clay: A Softer Neutral Option
This Natural Clay version uses the same CertainTeed Cedar Impressions panel design as the Herringbone option. The difference highlighted in the supplied product details is the color, making this version worth considering if you want a softer neutral shade for a shake-style accent or exterior.
The listing specifies 11 pieces per carton, panels about 0.090 inch thick, a 3/4-inch projection, and compatibility with 3/4-inch J-channel only. The related Herringbone listing gives carton coverage as 50.26 square feet; for this color, confirm the current package coverage and quantity details before calculating a full order.
Like the other CertainTeed option here, it has a True Texture finish and a continuous perimeter lock. The shared panel features make the choice between the two colors mainly a matter of appearance, while the channel requirement and installation specifications remain key planning points.
Pros:
- Natural Clay color offers an alternative to the Herringbone finish
- True Texture finish gives the panel a dimensional surface
- Continuous perimeter lock is listed as a design feature
- Limited lifetime warranty is listed in the product information
Cons:
- Product details list piece count but not carton square-foot coverage
- Requires 3/4-inch J-channel according to the listing
Verdict: Pick Natural Clay if its color better fits your exterior, but verify carton coverage before working out how many boxes you need.
4. Polaris Homeside Select in Granite Gray: A Thicker Panel for a Bold Accent
The Granite Gray Polaris panel combines a cedar-shake texture with a darker, more defined color. Like the Savannah Wicker option, it has random seams and a Tru-Lock system. The listed thickness is 1/8 inch, which is thicker than the CertainTeed panels in this roundup.
A box contains 10 pieces and covers 50 square feet, with a listed weight of 37 pounds. The product description recommends allowing about 20% for waste and identifies a 3/4-inch J-channel. Its substantial panel thickness may be appealing, but it can also make fitting and cutting more demanding than with thinner siding. Plan the work and tools accordingly.
This color can work well for a shake-style accent where you want a darker visual contrast. Some installation experiences suggest that the thicker material may be harder to handle in tight spaces, so it may not be the easiest option for a project with many detailed cuts or obstructions.
Pros:
- Textured cedar-shake appearance with random seams
- Listed 1/8-inch thickness
- Tru-Lock system is included in the product description
- 50 square feet of listed coverage per box
Cons:
- Thicker panels may be more challenging to cut and fit in tight areas
- Allow for the listed waste estimate when planning quantities
Verdict: Granite Gray suits homeowners seeking a darker, thicker shake-style panel who are prepared for more careful fitting during installation.
5. Polaris Homeside Select in Colonial White: A Bright Cedar-Shake Look
Colonial White is another Polaris Homeside Select color, with the same cedar-inspired texture, random seams, and Tru-Lock system as the other Polaris options here. Its light tone is a practical choice if you want shake-style siding that pairs with darker trim or a contrasting exterior color.
The box includes 10 pieces and is listed to cover 50 square feet. The panels are about 1/8 inch thick, with a listed weight of 37 pounds per box. Polaris recommends a 3/4-inch J-channel and suggests allowing about 20% for waste. The listing includes a limited lifetime warranty.
Because the product shares its design and dimensions with the Savannah Wicker and Granite Gray choices, the main decision is color rather than a different panel system. As with the other thicker Polaris options, allow enough room to work carefully around corners, openings, and other details.
Pros:
- Light Colonial White color for a crisp shingle-style exterior
- Textured finish and random seams
- Tru-Lock system is listed as a feature
- 50 square feet of listed coverage per box
Cons:
- Requires a 3/4-inch J-channel according to the listing
- Plan for extra material to cover cuts and waste
Verdict: Choose Colonial White if you want the Polaris shake design in a bright neutral color and have confirmed the trim and coverage requirements.
How to Choose Cedar-Look Vinyl Siding
Choose the color for the whole exterior, not just the sample
Color can look different across a large wall than it does on a single panel. Compare the siding with your roof, trim, and other exterior finishes before committing to multiple cartons. The options here range from light Colonial White to darker Granite Gray, with Savannah Wicker, Herringbone, and Natural Clay offering other neutral looks. If possible, check a physical sample in the light conditions around your home.
Check the panel texture and seam pattern
A cedar-like appearance depends on more than color. Look for details such as molded texture, shake-style edges, and how the seams fall between panels. Polaris lists a texture modeled on cedar shakes and random seams. CertainTeed lists a True Texture finish and a continuous perimeter lock. These are distinct designs, so compare product images and samples to decide which looks closer to the effect you want.
Calculate coverage with waste in mind
Measure the siding area you plan to cover and compare it with the product’s stated carton coverage. The Polaris listings specify 50 square feet per box and recommend allowing about 20% for waste. The Herringbone CertainTeed listing specifies 50.26 square feet per carton, while the Natural Clay listing gives a piece count but not square-foot coverage. Confirm the package details for the exact color you intend to buy, and keep extra material in mind for cuts and layout.
Confirm trim and channel compatibility
J-channel size is a basic compatibility check that can affect your installation plan. Polaris lists a recommended 3/4-inch J-channel. CertainTeed specifies that its panels accept 3/4-inch J-channel only. Check the trim already on your home and the manufacturer’s installation instructions before placing an order.
Consider panel thickness and installation complexity
The Polaris panels are listed at about 1/8 inch thick, while the CertainTeed panels are listed at 0.090 inch. Thickness alone does not determine quality, but it can affect handling, cutting, and fitting. The thicker Polaris material may require extra care around tight spaces and openings. If you are hiring an installer, share the product specifications before the work begins.
Review warranty and local requirements
The product data lists limited lifetime warranties for these siding options, but warranty terms can depend on the exact product and installation. Read the manufacturer’s full warranty and instructions before buying. CertainTeed also lists code-related specifications for its Cedar Impressions panels; confirm local requirements for your project rather than relying on a product listing alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does cedar-look vinyl siding contain real cedar?
The products in this roundup are described as vinyl siding. Their texture and shingle-style design are intended to create a cedar-inspired appearance, but they are not solid cedar shakes.
How much area does one box cover?
The Polaris options are listed at 50 square feet per box. The CertainTeed Herringbone option is listed at 50.26 square feet per carton. The Natural Clay listing gives 11 pieces per carton but does not state square-foot coverage, so confirm its package details before calculating your order.
How much extra siding should I order?
The Polaris product descriptions recommend allowing about 20% for waste. The exact amount you need can depend on wall shape, openings, cuts, and installation layout. Measure carefully and confirm the appropriate allowance with your installer.
Do these panels need a specific J-channel?
Yes, the product information calls out channel requirements. Polaris recommends a 3/4-inch J-channel, and CertainTeed specifies 3/4-inch J-channel only. Check the product instructions and your trim setup before installation.
Which option has the thickest listed panels?
The Polaris Homeside Select panels are listed at about 1/8 inch thick. The CertainTeed Cedar Impressions panels are listed at 0.090 inch. Thickness is only one factor; also consider the panel design, installation details, and color you prefer.
Can I use these products on a small accent area?
They can be considered for an accent area as well as a larger siding project, but compare the package coverage with the area you need to cover. Plan for cuts and check whether the trim and transition details will work for the specific location.
Final Recommendation
For a warm, textured cedar-shake appearance, the Polaris Homeside Select in Savannah Wicker is a well-rounded place to start, with random seams and a clearly listed 50-square-foot box. Choose CertainTeed Cedar Impressions if its True Texture design and listed panel-lock details better fit your priorities. For any option, verify the color, package coverage, J-channel requirements, and installation instructions before ordering.
